Dar Si Hmad for Development, Education and Culture is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 2010 promoting local culture and sustainable initiatives through education and the integration of scientific ingenuity in Southwest Morocco. We operate North Africa's largest fog harvesting project, providing villages with access to potable water. Our Water School and Girls' E-Learning Programs build capacity in the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Through our Ethnographic Field School, researchers and students engage with local communities in Agadir, Sidi Ifni, and the rural Aït Baamrane region for meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Unsung Heroes Interview #8: Fatiha!

Interview with Fatiha Tachakourt

Fatiha Tachakourt is a part- time employee at Dar Si Hmad,

the Water/ Oasis School teacher in Sidi Ifni, and a language teacher at the office.

What is your name and how old are you?

My name is Fatiha Tachakourt and I am 26 years old.

Where are you from?

I am from Agadir, Morocco. My family is from Agadir as well,

so I’ve lived here my whole life.

Where did you graduate from and with what degree?

I attended Ibon Zohr University where I studied to get my Masters Degree

in Journalism and Media Diversity.

What brought you to Dar Si Hmad?

I’ve been with Dar Si Hmad for 3 years now. I actually got the job

working here through a friend of mine who knows the office manager.

She told me that Dar Si Hmad was looking for a woman who spoke

English and had the patience to work with small children. At the time,

I was looking for a social work position, and children and education

are two passions of mine so this opportunity seemed perfect. My friend

sent in my CV, I got an interview and soon after I became a part of the

Dar Si Hmad team.

Describe your role at Dar Si Hmad

My main role at Dar Si Hmad is to teach at the Water/ Oasis School

for children in the villages near Sidi Ifni. I’ve taught two editions of the

Water School and the first edition of the Oasis School. I also provide

language lessons in Darija and Tashlheet for Dar Si Hmad interns,

EFS students and other students in Agadir wanting to learn Tashlheet.

Originally, I came to work at Dar Si Hmad just for the Water School,

but I began teaching these lessons as well because of my education and language skills.

What is your favorite part about coming to Dar Si Hmad?

My favorite part about teaching with the Water/ Oasis School

is definitely the kids. They are a form of therapy for me. I have a special

connection with all of them that motivates me to continue searching and

giving them my best with the rest of the Oasis School team. I feel like they

are my own children; I call them my kids. Before every session, I think about

the theme/ goal of the lesson and how I can best transmit that message to

these eager and wonderful children.

My favorite part about coming into the office is the team; they feel like family

to me. Everyone is so friendly and I can be myself with everyone. People

are always smiling and greeting you as you come in the door of Dar Si Hmad.

And Dandara of course; I don’t really have a good relationship with cats,

but she is fun and brings a new persona to the office.

What is one thing you’d like everyone to know about Dar Si Hmad?

I would like everyone to know that Dar Si Hmad offers an opportunity

to learn many things that you’ve never learned before in school and gain

insight into things you were never previously aware of. It’s a place where

you can share and build on your skills with a truly wonderful team.

What is one of your most memorable moments at Dar Si Hmad?

There are always memorable moments with the Water School, but

one time, we planted a tree near the school and the children decided to

name it Fatiha. Even though the tree died, it was still very special to me.

The kids were blaming each other as to why the tree died, and it turned into

a good laugh.

Everytime a Water or Oasis School session ends and we have to say goodbye,

there are always lots of tears and hugs from both the students and the team.

It’s very meaningful and emotional. Those moments always leave an impression on me.

About Dar Si Hmad

Dar Si Hmad for Development, Education and Culture is an independent
nonprofit organization founded in 2010 operating in Agadir, Sidi Ifni,
and the rural Aït Baamrane region of Southwest Morocco.

Dar Si Hmad promotes and preserves local culture, history, and
heritage through a variety of education and livelihood projects. Our
programming builds the capacities of local people while respecting
natural resources and the environment.

Through our Ethnographic Field School and Research Support programs,
we share our educational and environmental projects with students and
researchers, creating a platform for cross-cultural and intellectual
exchange.